Analysis of a general practitioner's work in a private nursing home for the elderly

A quantitative analysis was made over a fouryear period (1984-87) of the work and time involved for one rural general practitioner in caring for 42 elderly patients living in a private nursing home. The results were compared with those for the rest of the practice. The study showed that the consultation rate for nursing home patients was 50% higher than the rate for the remaining practice patients aged 65 years or over, and more than twice that for the whole practice. The prescribing rate in the nursing home was twice that of the 65+ years group and six times the rate for the whole practice. The hospital referral rate for nursing home patients was twice that of the 65-74 years group, and four times that for the whole practice. The time involved per year in looking after each nursing home patient was nearly twice that for the remaining practice patients aged 65-74 years, and three times that for practice patients aged under 65 years. From this study it would appear that concentrations of elderly patients in nursing homes in areas served by only a few general practitioners can cause considerable increases in workload. This could present problems in the organization of suitable care.